Abstract
Summary
1. Results of this study point to the critical role of potassium in amino acid utilization following protein depletion. Rats depleted only of protein failed completely, even when offered a complete source of amino acids, if at the same time potassium was withheld. If phosphorus was withheld during the repletion period, the rate of recovery was lessened, but complete failure and deaths did not result as with potassium deprivation. Deprivation of sodium, calcium or magnesium did not appear to have immediate limiting effects on the appetite of protein depleted rats for a complete amino acid source, or on their ability to recover lost weight. 2. Fourteen mg of potassium per rat day appeared to meet the requirement for this element. Addition of 10 mQv of potassium per liter to an intravenous protein hydrolysate appears to supply an effective, safe ratio of potassium to amino acid nitrogen.
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